Pumpkin Crunch Cake

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Dive into the cozy flavors of fall with this Pumpkin Crunch Cake, a delightful dessert that combines the richness of pumpkin with a crunchy, buttery topping. Perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings, this sweet treat is an easy-to-make crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Serve it warm with a scoop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for the ultimate seasonal dessert experience.

Emma

Created by

Emma

Last updated on 2025-11-05T15:31:24.152Z

Why You'll Love It

  • Rich and comforting flavors of pumpkin
  • Crunchy buttery topping adds texture
  • Easy to make with simple ingredients
  • Perfect for Thanksgiving and fall gatherings

A Delicious Fall Tradition

As the leaves turn vibrant hues and the air becomes crisp, the Pumpkin Crunch Cake emerges as a cherished fall tradition for many families. Its delightful combination of creamy pumpkin filling with a crunchy topping brings warmth and comfort to any gathering. Whether it's a cozy family dinner or a festive Thanksgiving feast, this cake captures the essence of the season, offering a taste that resonates with the joys of fall.

Traditionally enjoyed during the autumn months, this cake appeals to both young and old. The use of pumpkin not only enhances the flavor but also provides a nutritious twist, filled with vitamins and antioxidants. This dessert is a wonderful way to celebrate the flavors of the season while enjoying quality time with loved ones.

Ideal for Entertaining

If you’re hosting a gathering or simply looking to impress, Pumpkin Crunch Cake is a great option. Its simple ingredients and easy preparation make it a no-fuss dessert that can be whipped up in no time. The visual appeal of the cake, with its golden crust and inviting topping, sets the perfect tone for any occasion, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Additionally, this recipe is incredibly versatile. You can serve it as a standalone dessert or pair it with complementary sides like whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. Drizzling caramel sauce on top can elevate the experience even further, making it a guaranteed hit at any fall event.

Tips for Perfecting Your Cake

To ensure your Pumpkin Crunch Cake turns out perfectly every time, consider using high-quality ingredients. Opt for pure pumpkin puree rather than pumpkin pie filling, as the latter contains added sugars and spices that may alter the flavor. Also, be diligent about measuring ingredients accurately, especially when it comes to flour, to maintain the ideal texture.

It's also crucial not to overmix the batter once the flour is added. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake rather than the light texture you’re aiming for. As you fold in the flour, do so gently until just combined. This technique will help maintain that wonderful cake crumb that pairs so well with the crunchy topping.

Ingredients

Ingredients

For the Cake

  • 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

For the Topping

  • 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
  • 1 cup butter, melted
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

Instructions

Instructions

Preparation Steps

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

Mix the Cake Batter

In a large bowl, combine pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth. Add baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Gradually fold in the flour until just combined.

Pour into Dish

Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.

Prepare the Topping

In a separate bowl, mix chopped pecans or walnuts, melted butter, brown sugar, and flour until crumbly. Sprinkle evenly over the cake batter.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Enjoy!

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving your Pumpkin Crunch Cake, consider offering a variety of toppings to cater to different preferences. A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light, airy element that balances the richness of the cake. For those who enjoy a sweeter treat, serving slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream creates a harmonious blend of flavors.

For an extra touch of elegance, try garnishing with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of caramel sauce. These simple additions can elevate the dish visually and enhance the tasting experience, making each bite even more delightful.

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftovers (which is unlikely, given how delicious this cake is!), storing them correctly will keep your Pumpkin Crunch Cake fresh. Allow the cake to cool completely before covering it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It can be left at room temperature for a day or two, but for longer storage, it’s best kept in the refrigerator.

For longer freshness, this cake can also be frozen. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. When you're ready to enjoy a slice, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or microwave it for a quick warm-up. Your Pumpkin Crunch Cake will taste just as scrumptious as when it was first baked!

Secondary image

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin, just ensure it is cooked and pureed smoothly.

→ Can this cake be made ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the cake a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator.

Pumpkin Crunch Cake

Dive into the cozy flavors of fall with this Pumpkin Crunch Cake, a delightful dessert that combines the richness of pumpkin with a crunchy, buttery topping. Perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings, this sweet treat is an easy-to-make crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Serve it warm with a scoop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for the ultimate seasonal dessert experience.

Prep Time20 minutes
Cooking Duration50 minutes
Overall Time1 hour 10 minutes

Created by: Emma

Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 8 servings

What You'll Need

For the Cake

  1. 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
  2. 1 cup granulated sugar
  3. 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  4. 4 large eggs
  5. 1 cup vegetable oil
  6. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  7. 1 teaspoon baking powder
  8. 1 teaspoon baking soda
  9. 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  10. 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  11. 1/2 teaspoon salt
  12. 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

For the Topping

  1. 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
  2. 1 cup butter, melted
  3. 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  4. 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

Step 02

In a large bowl, combine pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth. Add baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Gradually fold in the flour until just combined.

Step 03

Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.

Step 04

In a separate bowl, mix chopped pecans or walnuts, melted butter, brown sugar, and flour until crumbly. Sprinkle evenly over the cake batter.

Step 05

Bake in the preheated oven for 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 06

Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Total Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 65mg
  • Sodium: 200mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 30g
  • Protein: 3g